A VIKING CRUISE THROUGH GERMANY IN WINTER---JAWOHL!

Having lived in Germany for more than a decade, I can attest to the fact that traveling in winter through this beautiful country has many advantages. First off, the crowds are gone and while you may have to don a winter coat and hat, there's a peaceful aura that descends upon the cities and countryside during the winter months. December brings with it the magic of the holiday season, from beautiful decorations in every city and town, as well as the famous Christmas markets, which are truly unique experiences.


So recently, when Viking announced the Treasures of the Rhine, a new river voyage allowing guests the opportunity to experience Europe’s rich culture during winter, I was all ears. The new Middle Rhine itinerary debuts in December 2023 and establishes Viking as the first line to operate year-round on Europe’s storied rivers, offering guests easier access to landmarks when there are typically fewer crowds.

You'll unpack once, settle back in your comfortable stateroom, and for 10 glorious days watch the enchanting landscapes of the Middle Rhine flow by. You'll see UNESCO sites boasting turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, medieval towns, and holiday markets. Guests can admire the terraced vineyards and taste the region's renowned red and white wines, either on their shore excursions or from the comfort of their cabins or from the restaurant, bar, lounge and library.

Treasures of the Rhine departure dates begin in December 2023 and run through early March 2024, with fares starting at $1,999 per person. From now through May 31, 2023, Viking is offering its 25th Anniversary Sale for residents of the U.S. and Canada, with a $25 deposit for up to FREE airfare and special savings on all river 2023-2025 voyages. Call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464) or contact a travel advisor for details.




Savor The Beauty of Europe's Rhine River on an AmaWaterways Cruise

Enjoy our photo gallery of a glorious cruise down the Rhine River on the AmaWaterways AmaMora, from Amsterdam to Basel, published recently on USATODAY 10BEST

In addition, check out our CRUISE PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERY to enjoy a detailed compilation of each part of this magical trip along one of Europe’s most picturesque rivers.

The medieval city of Strasbourg is one of the many excursions offered on this Rhine River cruise.

©Joanne DiBona Photography

AmaWaterways Unveils Longest River Cruise Aboard One Ship for 2024

There’s no question about it. Travel consumers are looking to book extended river and ocean voyages these days, probably for a number of reasons. Retirees with a passion for travel and unlimited time on their hands are looking to make the most of their cruise, and a 7-day trip doesn’t quite fill their longing for immersive travel experiences.

As for younger travelers still in the work force, it is possible now to combine business and pleasure. As a result of the recent pandemic, more and more people are working remotely and they realize they can do this from any part of the world—including from a relaxing cruise ship on a leisurely itinerary.

Cruising through the Iron Gates Gorge between Serbia and Romania, photo courtesy AmaWaterways

So the recent announcement from AmaWaterways that reservations are now open for its historic 2024 Seven Cruise Journey, offering an epic 49-night itinerary on board the luxurious AmaMora, is definitely of interest to the cruise lovers out there, no matter what their age.

“Since the debut of our Seven River Journeys in 2021, we have received tremendous demand from travelers who are looking to spend extra time immersing themselves in beautiful destinations throughout Europe,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “With the widespread popularity of these immersive longer itineraries, we are thrilled to announce that the 2024 Spring and Summer Editions showcase enriching itineraries on board a single, award-winning ship – making it easy for guests to sit back, relax and enjoy the unparalleled experience of cruising seamlessly between the North Sea and the Black Sea visiting the historical sites and rich culture of the 15 countries in between.”

Guests who reserve their spot on AmaWaterways’ Seven River Journeys for 2024 will have the opportunity to dive deep into each region’s unique history, cultural traditions, and savory cuisine and wine, while being treated to a variety of exclusive experiences along the way. For the first time, the 2024 journeys will include a 7-day exploration of the Danube Delta visiting six new towns along the way and showcasing a special folkloric event in a new port, Giurgiulesti, Moldova.

Seven River Journey: Spring 2024 Edition

Embarking April 22, 2024, in Amsterdam, Netherlands and disembarking June 10, 2024, in Giurgiu, Romania, guests will explore the hearts of 15 fascinating European countries in full bloom while gliding through legendary rivers and canals during the Seven River Journey: Spring 2024 Edition.

Seven River Journey: Summer 2024 Edition

The Seven River Journey: Summer 2024 Edition is the reverse journey of AmaMora beginning on June 10, 2024, in Giurgiu, Romania and ending on July 29, 2024, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Guests will enjoy summertime sailing the complete length of the Danube before passing through the history-making Main-Danube Canal onto the Rhine, Main, Moselle rivers and finally enjoying the Scheldt, Maas and Waal waterways of Netherlands and Belgium.

In addition to the locally influenced fine dining and hand-selected wines that AmaWaterways’ is known for, the 2024 Seven River Journey itineraries will also include complimentary gratuities both on board and ashore; a variety of new, unique small group excursions; complimentary laundry services; commemorative gifts; and a dedicated Cruise Manager and the same attentive crew throughout the voyage. On board, guests will be delighted to find spacious staterooms with AmaWaterways’ signature twin balconies and top-notch amenities such as a relaxing sun deck, pool with swim-up bar, fitness room, complimentary bicycles and daily entertainment including cultural performances.

To book an AmaWaterways river cruise, contact your preferred travel advisor, call 1.800.626.0126 or visit AmaWaterways.com.


AMERICAN CRUISE LINES' NEWEST ITINERARY TAKES YOU ON A SPECTACULAR TOUR OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER AND THE NATION'S MOST FAMOUS NATIONAL PARKS

American Cruise Lines proudly announces a brand new 15-Day National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary for 2023. This incredible voyage is the country’s largest land-cruise package and the first-ever coupling of a river cruise with the mountain states’ national parks. Operating between Portland, Oregon, and Jackson, Wyoming, American’s National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary includes an 8-Day cruise, a special Jet Boat adventure in Hells Canyon, and a 7-Day land exploration through Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks. The National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary is available to book now.

2023 guests will begin their National Parks & Legendary Rivers journey along the Columbia and Snake Rivers as they re-trace the epic route traveled by Lewis & Clark. Along both rivers, American’s guests can immerse themselves in the history of the famous expedition, admire breathtaking landscapes of the diverse passing scenery which changes dramatically throughout the journey—from splendid views of the Pacific in Astoria to lush alpine meadows, to high desert canyons to the picturesque sight of snow-capped Mt. Hood. Guests will also enjoy guided immersive experiences both on board and on shore each day—diverse opportunities include active excursions like kayaking along the Columbia River Gorge to more relaxing experiences such as wine tastings at local wineries along the Hood River.


As the adventure continues on land, guests journey onward into the National Parks where they can explore the Parks’ magnificent glacier carved peaks and valleys, dense ancient forests, and pristine turquoise lakes. Guests will experience Yellowstone’s world famous geyser, Old Faithful, and be able to enjoy firsthand the majestic wildlife that still freely roams in Grand Teton National Park today. Special highlights include an exhilarating Jet Boat ride through Hells Canyon; visits to Mammoth Hot Springs, Lake MacDonald, and Jenny Lake; plus overnights in scenic Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and breathtaking Jackson, Wyoming.

Itinerary & Inclusions:

All American’s Columbia & Snake and Mississippi River cruises include a Complimentary Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay in every departure city across the country. Everything on board American’s ships is included (all fine dining, snacks, drinks, cocktails, evening entertainment, and daily enrichment & lectures). There are also included shore excursions in nearly all ports, as well as some premium experiences which are available for additional fees. American Cruise Lines also offers Flat Rate Domestic Air Fare for all U.S. River & Coastal cruises.

The National Parks portion of the itinerary includes a dedicated American Cruise Lines’ adventure guide leading guests throughout their entire journey; accommodations in centrally located hotels; transportation to the parks each day; park entrance fees and fully curated experiences within the parks; all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); and transportation at the conclusion of the adventure to the airport in Jackson, Wyoming.